Phil Ivey has been labeled as the greatest poker competitor in the world by most of the top pros. Phil Ivey was born in Riverside, CA and relocated to Jersey before reaching turning 1. His grandpa taught him one cent-ante Five-Card Stud poker. From that point on, Phil was addicted to poker and wished to pickup anything he possibly could about the game. Phil routinely told his elders that he was planning on being a professional poker player. He did not permit the detrimental comments from others annihilate his ambition of being one of the greatest poker competitors in the world.
Phil began playing intently after getting a false ID with the name of Jerome. He practiced his skills at the poker rooms of Atlantic City. The first number of years for him were a teaching experience and coming away with a win was not a regular thing at the time. Phil made his mark at the 2000 World Series of Poker where he made 2 final tables and won his first World Series of Poker bracelet, in a $2, five hundred Pot-Limit Omaha event. At the last table he destroyed many of the well known pros including "Amarillo Slim" Preston, David "Devilfish" Ulliot, and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.
Phil made a decision to take his skills to the next level and moved out west to Las Vegas. Phil continues to compete in in "The Big Game" at the Bellagio with the greatest players in the world. Phil credits his achievements to dedication and an eternal passion for the game of poker. He says that he’s picking up skills every day and is quite humble about his achievements. Phil admits to making errors in each game of poker and always strives to improve.
Despite the fact that Ivey has won some big tournaments, he prefers destroying cash games on a regular basis.